4 dead, 70K without power after upstate NY storms

Published July 09. 2014 6:34AM | Updated July 09. 2014 6:35AM

Associated Press

Smithfield, N.Y. (AP) — Officials in central New York say four people are dead, numerous homes are destroyed or damaged and more than 70,000 utility customers are without power after severe thunderstorms rolled through the region.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office says the deaths occurred in the rural town of Smithfield, between Syracuse and Utica, after the storms hit at about 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Officials say Wednesday that at least four homes are completely destroyed and numerous others are damaged. More information is expected to be released at a morning news conference.

About 72,000 homes and businesses are without power, most in central and northern New York.

The National Weather Service says investigators will be in Smithfield to determine if a tornado touched down.